CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells regulate the intensity of hypersensitivity responses to peanut, but are not decisive in the induction of oral sensitization

Background: Naturally occurring CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in the maintenance of self-tolerance and it has been suggested that these Tregs may also be involved in preventing allergic disease. Objective: The precise role of CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells in the regulation of allergic responses to mucosal antigens remains to be elucidated. In the present study, it was investigated whether CD4 ⁺CD25⁺ T cells are involved in the induction of oral tolerance and whether they play a role in controlling hypersensitivity responses to food proteins. Methods: CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells were depleted with PC61 mAb before the induction of low dose oral tolerance to peanut extract (PE). In addition, CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cell depletion was performed during sensitization or before oral challenge, using a C3H/HeOuJ mouse model of allergic sensitization to peanut. Results: Oral tolerance to PE could not be induced in CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cell-depleted mice. However, CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cell depletion during long-term exposure to PE alone did not result in allergic sensitization. In sensitized mice, anti-CD25 treatment during oral exposure resulted in higher levels of PE-specific IgE and increased mast cell degranulation upon an oral challenge. In contrast, anti-CD25 treatment of PE-sensitized mice before oral challenges did not affect the level of mast cell degranulation. Conclusion: These results indicate that CD4⁺CD25⁺ Tregs are involved in maintaining tolerance to oral antigens and regulate the intensity of an IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity response, but are not crucial in preventing sensitization. Accordingly, CD4⁺CD25⁺ Tregs may represent a potential tool for the treatment of food allergic disorders.